Self-adjusting cross bridge



1953 G. E. EICHENLAUB 2,624,080

SELF-ADJUSTING CROSS BRIDGE Filed Dec. 22, 1945 Patented Jan. 6, 1953UNITED STATES PATENT FF ICE 2,624,089 sew-lemme Cases Esme v George E.Eichenlaub; Beaumont, l ex 7 Application December 22, 19 15, sen-a1 so.new 11 claims. (clan) both l in l a tr nsve selvfer insur n n ia r eitvin the brid d construction while allowing sufficient, elasticity inthe bracing to compensate for settlement and movements or normalshrinkagesor warpagepf floors supported by the joists or roofssupportedby the rafters, or other types of surfaces supported by framingmembers. 7 V H w Another object of my invention is toprovide aconstruction of crossbridge for building construeiien Whieh ma he readiyrie m d, pressed or struck .frem meteler O he wsl tnblematerials, andshaped for economical packed or nested arrangement for quick removal tothe installed workingposition of rest between the members to be braced.g

Still another object of my invention is to provide a construction ofcrossbridge having outstruck projecting portions opposite each endthereof, serving as strengthening and attachment means for the brace andhaving recessed portions intermediate the ends thereof serving as meansfor imparting resiliency to. the bridge for insuring that esuflicientyieldability to the bridge throughout its installed life forcompensating for changes in the position of the joists and associatedfloors or skin.

Other and furtherobjects of my invention reside in the construction ofcrossbridge as set forth in the following specification by reference tothe accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a cross sectional viewshowing the crossbridge of myinvention installed between the joists or beams of a floor; Fig, 2 is aperspective view of one of the crossbridges illustrated in Fig. 1, theView showing the crossbridge slightly turned about the'longitudina'laxisthereof; Fig. '3 is a plan view of the crossbridge of my invention;Fig. dis asideelevational view of the crossbridge; Fig. 5 is afragmentary view of one end of a modified form of crossbridge embodyingmy invention Figs. 6, '7 and 8 are cross sectional views n ng varioussectional forms in which the crossbridge of in'yflinvention may beconstructedjan'd Fig- 9 is a side elevation of the brace having thetransverse section of Fig.7

, Asa result of long eiiperience inbuildingconstruction I have foundthat it is highly important to avoid anytype ofbracing in floor gnujeist construction, which tends to. maintain. the roof or floor in atoolriglidlyst'iff or. set position. The nailing of crossbraces betweenjoists beneath. a fi oor has. usuallyresulted ingthe, bowing- Iof thefloor surface asthe rafters snaeoor shrink by natural drying out. Thebracing provme by such woodb ra'ce's is often so rigidthat the. surfacesof the 'fioormust bow or otherwise deform to allow for settlement orexpansion andf'also contraction of, the wood. .mygi'nvenuon is dimatedto a Qristruct16n,. r.brace which may be readily pressed from sheet.metal or molded from plastics and. so shapedfasto impart sufficientresiliency. to the joists and associated floor constructionto permittheyielding of the brace sufiici'entlyto eliminatethe disastrous resultsoftenencountered Iina change out of level from the shift orthe bowing ofthe floor surface andass ociate'd structural elements. I provideacrossbra'ce of ,partiallyflcurvd section with the ends. thereof.provided.v v()u-tstruck portions which serve both as strengthening andengaging means and with intermed ate a env portion having recesses .cut,therein. at such positions that the required yiel'dabilityis imparted tothe arch construction to allow the arch to yield to the limited extentrequired through normal alternate shrinking and. swelling of the joistswithout impairing the efiectiveness of the brace o s en. h joists. d pem ne l ele t e in alignment so they develop their full designedstrength, Y

. .Re e elt' th e r w ee. n detai v es aeeeef m nventign ra in Fi 1,applied between joists l, and 2 e which support the ever. v. e e ntel eera l at, 3- e bridges are illustrated arranged crosswise, ortransversely f the ieiste v er. ea ee eenstruetion a nd Ilse brid ne.. sinetal ed he, s me a ny m nemssbr d ne c os ly ad a nt eac Q herlin .e ear ns ent to. apply effect ve, cont nuou beam n ereementv betw th j i sin sub antial y ,the. same plane. Tin res rae s andfi reflident eal in.con ruet en a show more partieula lvinfie -2L3 nds, n F an Willbeeberved hat. t e crossbrace is formed from thin sheet material such assheet steel and is substantially circular in cross section adjacent thecenter thereof as represented at E, with the side walls of the centralsection terminating in substantially straight edges 7 and 8. The centralportion of the brace is bowed outwardly in one direction while the endsof the brace are flattened out at 9 and I and are given a slight curveopposite to the curvature of the central portion 6. The contour of thebrace along the longitudinal edges thereof simulates a substantiallycompound curve or a wave-like shape while the transverse section issubstantially Ll-shaped. The end 9 is divided with a somewhat distortedU-shaped slightly curved recess l I in the end thereof providing a pairof rafter engaging or biting points or teeth I 2 and I 4. The oppositeend of the brace is flattened out and tapered to a point or singlebiting tooth blade as represented at l5. The engaging point i5 is bentat substantially an obtuse angle with respect to the plane of theterminating end ii! of the brace. This structure enables the brace tohave the pointed end [5 thereof presented to a rafter in a substantiallyhorizontal plane when the brace is installed. The pointed end I5 isrendered substantially rigid with respect to the end It of the brace bymeans of the outstruck parallel longitudinally extending rib portions l6and ii. The outstruck ribs [6 and I! place the metal of the bracebetween the pointed end l5 and the end of the brace at I under conditionof reinforcement for obstructing the tendency of the brace ID to revolveabout its axis or change its angularity with respect to the plane of thepoint l5, during the process of installation or any time thereafter.

The opposite end of the brace 9 is provided with an outstruck fingermember l8 which is formed from the metal of the end 9 of the brace,leaving a substantially V-shaped aperture l9 therein. The finger [8provides a spacing or dimensioning member for facilitating theinstallation of the brace as rep-resented more particularly in Fig. 1.The builder in installing the brace first jabs a pointed end 12 or I 4into the side of the rafter l at a position adjacent the top thereof asgaged by the outstanding finger l8, which projects in a planesubstantially perpendicular to a neutral axis through the brace which Ihave represented by the theoretical line 20 in Fig. 4. I have alsoindicated the neutral axis 2c in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. The finger [8 allowsthe builder to observe the approximate position at which the brace is tobe jabbed into the side of the joist l The operative is prevented fromapplying the brace at too high a position on the joist I as theextremity of finger [-8 would strike the under surface of the floor 3 ora batten or temporary member used before the flooring is put down. Onthe other hand, the operative by gaging the gapbetween the extremity offinger I B and the under surface of floor or batten 3, will not attemptto push the pointed ends [2 and [4 of the brace into the joist l in aposition too far below the under surface of the fioor 3. When the sharppoint IE or M of the brace has thus been forced into the joist I, theoperative slides the sharp bitin end 15 of the brace in a substantiallyhorizontal direction with the grain for enabling the sharp end l5 tobite or seat itself into the side of the joist 2. This is entirely asidewise movement, which sets both points [2 and I4 and does not disturbthe relative penetration of the points 12 and I4 into joist I.

In a modified form of my invention, as illusing, distribution and sale.

4 trated in Fig. 5, the pointed end of the brace I6 is continued in aplane which is substantially in line with the neutral axis 2% of thebrace as represented at 2 l.

The curvature of the brace in opposite directions is more clearlyrepresented in Fig. 4, from which it will be observed that the centralportion of the brace at 5 is bowed in one direction represented bysurface 22, while the end portions of the brace are bow-ed in theopposite directions to form two warped or arched portions as representedat 23 and 24. This substantially compound surface and curve impart-s tothe brace that quality of rigidity necessary to stiffen the brace as astructural element and yet to provide for suificient flexibility of thebrace to allow for natural expansion or contraction of the buildingstructure. To further relieve the brace of excessive stifiness orrigidity, I provide perforations in the central portion of the brace asrepresented at 25 and 25, in spaced positions along the length of thebrace. Intermediate the perforations 25 and 26 I provide recesses ornotches at 27, 28, 29 and 38 which relieve rigidity of the brace asspatial conditions of the building structure units shift or change. Thenumber of apertures and notches required may be varied as experience mayrequire for bracing various types of structural units, or a variety ofconditions normal to conditions of load or span. g

The structural form of the brace illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4 isproportioned to suit the practical functions of manufacture, shipping,warehous- The form shown has proven very effective in construction andinstallation. In Fig. 6 the mid-section of the piece is shown as aninverted U with flanged stifiening edges at 33 and t l, with variationsthereof shown in Figs. 7 and 8. In any case, such mid-sections aredeveloped as surfaces extending in length and flowing into othercross-sectional shapes terminating at each end in a flat-bar-section,shaped for engagement with the materials to be braced. While thestiffening flanges are not required for the shorter lengths in practice,they are indicated for the longer pieces used in wider beam or joistspacings to achieve a satisfactory L over R ratio or radius of gyrationin a strut to obtain necessary higher strength.

In Fig. 7 I have shown a structural brace in which longitudinally 7extending intermediate shoulders 35 and 3B are formed on each sidethereof with a substantially U-shaped intermediate rib 3'! formedbetween the shoulders 35 and 35. The sides of the brace terminate inedge flanges represented at 38 and 39.

In Fig. 8 I have shown a further modified form of brace which is workedfrom sheet metal and formed with a central rib portion it havingopposit-e shoulder portions ii and 42 pressed in the sides of the braceand with the edges terminating in flanges 43 and M serving to impartrigidity to the brace. I

Various other structural forms may be imparted to the brace forimparting that composite degree of flexibility and stiffness to permitself-adjustment to the building after the brace is placed in position.Suficient springiness is provided in the several structures'sh'own toallow for the yielding of the brace both vertically and longitudinallyin a restricted degree while maintaining the bracin properties affordedby the structural unit. V

The arc-shaped ends of the brace, reentrant are for the head andextended-arc for the toe wood) at the pointedhead-endand also,

(foot-or heel) enable easy penetration (of-title y lateral (horizontalpushing) --action atthe op posite or toe-end (with the grain or-intothe-grain of the wood), both suchpenetrations-are asily attained merelyby manual pressures and without the employment of tools.- Theunique-arc; shapes of my constructionand-the constructionof the two endsare such however that after initial penetration of the wood or otherlike material having grain and hardness, the resi'stanceis progressivelyand rapidly built up against excessive penetration in order to setthe-ends of the brace in solid bearing at eachend andequalized each tothe other, whenthe shaft -of-the piece takes over furthermechanical'wor-k as a strut or brace in compression. 330th ends togetherand with the shaft interact to'effect theper-fect set desired to developthe ultimate self-adjusting purposes-of the brace. The shaft andboth'ends are so formed in combination that when critical resistance topenetration is offered by the varying density or hardnessof the wood orother material, the unique mid-sectionof the brace coupled with itscamber away from a straight axial line further cou led with the warpedshape near the ends, will cause the shaft to spring-upward and bowlongitudinally without failure or undue loss of strength. Excessive bowto the brace is readily seen or felt bythe hand-of theinstaller whereforit becomes impossible to apply this brace in such-manner that excessivestiffness or rigidity is imparted to the structure so braced.

With time, the joists shrink and the brace is imbedded more firmly dueto fatigue inthe wood and the brace is sprung slightly more-in itsdesigned direction and later, when the wood swells clue to naturalcauses of temperature and humidity or both, the spring in the bracerecovers or relaxes and so continuously adjusts itself to theever-and-always changing dimensions of the structure. The brace thus issaid to breathe-concurrently with the structure, which may be said topant.

It will be observed that the arrangement of one end of one brace iscontra-opposed to the other end of the coacting brace. One end of eachbrace is 'an exact inverse duplicate of the other end. This identity instructure facilitates manufacture in that the brace, if struck from astripsheet is made complete without any wasteof material whatsoever.

The shape of the structural .unit is suchthat the units may be nestedcompactly for shipment and removed directly from the shipping carton andinstalled without nailing or the use of tools. The engaging points orteeth I2 and M serve in lieu of nails with respect to the side of onejoist while the knife-edged flat heel I5 serves as the engaging meansfor the adjacent joist for applying the continuous diagonal bracingforce between the joists.

While I have described the brace of my invention in certain of itspreferred embodiments, I realize that modifications in the constructionmay be made and I intend no limitations upon my invention other than maybe imposed by the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the UnitedStates is as follows:

1. A bridge for bracing and staying a plurality of spaced joistscomprising a brace member having an arch-shaped portion intermediate theends thereof and terminating at one end in a pair of spaced piercingteeth and terminating at the 6 other'end in acutting member, saidpiercing teeth constituting spaced shiftable centers about which saidcutting member-is adjustable, and a spacing finger outstruok from saidbrace member adjacent said teeth for. measuring the position-ofapplication'of said piercing teeth to thesideof'a joist.

2.- A bridge for bracing and staying aplurality of spaced joistscomprising a bracemember having an arch-shaped portion-intermediate theends thereof and terminating at one end in a pair of spaced piercingteeth and terminating at the other end in acutting-member, saidteeth-constituting spaced shiftable centers about which said cuttingmember is'adjustable'and an outstruck finger projecting substantiallynormal to the axis of said brace member intermediate the piercing teeththereof and operating to measure the position of applicationof thepiercing teeth to -the side of a joist.

3. A bridge for bracing and staying aplurality of spacedjois-tscomprising a resilient member arched intermediate the endsthereof and having a transverse section throughout the major'lengthmeasured intermediately of the ends that presents a convex externalsurfaceand a concave internal surface, saidmember terminating at one endin a pair of spacedpiercing teeth, and-terminating at the opposite endina centrally disposed cutting toe, said spaced teeth forming centersabout which said cutting toe is operative to swing with said teeth asshiftable centers, and a spacing finger projecting from the convexexternal-surface of said member adjacent thespaced piercing.

teeth for providing a measuring guide for setting said teeth withrespect to the side of a joi-st.

4. A bridge for bracing and staying a plurality of joists comprising abracemember havinga preformed arch-shaped portion extendinglongitudinally intermediate the ends thereof, with one of-said endsprovided with a substantially U shaped recess terminating in spacedpenetrating teeth at o-ppositeextremities thereof, said bracememberterminating atthe opposite end thereof in a substantially U-shapedcentrally disposed: cutting toe, said teeth and said toe beingoperativeto effect diagonally opposite engagement with the sides of spacedjoists,'and a pair of longitudinally extending spaced ribs, disposedbetween said cutting toe and said brace member in symmetrical positions,on opposite sides of the central axis of said brace member forstrengthening said cutting toe .withrespectto said brace member, saidbrace member being resilient throughout the arch-shaped portion thereof.

5. A bridge for bracing and staying a plurality of joists comprising aresilient brace member of curved transverse section having a preformedarch-shaped portion intermediate the ends thereof and terminating at oneend in a substantially U-shaped recess having spaced penetrating teethat opposite sides thereof and terminating at the opposite end in asubstantially U-shaped centrally disposed toe, said teeth and said toebeing operative to effect diagonally opposite engagement with the sidesof spaced joists with said teeth constituting shiftable centers aboutwhich said toe is adjustable, and a pair of longitudinally extendingspaced ribs disposed within the curved transverse section of said bracemember for strength-- ening the arch-shaped portion of said bracememher.

6. A bridge for bracing and staying a plurality of spaced joistscomprising a brace member formed from resilient material having a preformed arch-shaped portion intermediate the ends thereof and terminatingat one end in a pair of spaced piercing teeth, and terminating at theother end in a transversely disposed tapered central cutting member,said piercing teeth constituting spaced shiftable centers about whichsaid cutting member is adjustable and a plurality of spaced notchesformed in the central part of the arch-shaped portion of said bracemember.

7. A bridge for bracing and staying a plurality of spaced joistscomprising a brace member formed from a resilient material having apreformed arch-shaped portion intermediate the ends thereof formed in asubstantially U-shaped transverse section and terminating at one end ina pair of spaced piercing teeth and terminating at the other end in acentrally disposed cutting member, said piercing teeth constitutingspaced shiftabl-e center-s about which said cutting memher isadjustable, and a pair of symmetrically arranged shoulders extendinglongitudinally of the arch-shaped portion of said bridge within thesides of the U-shaped transverse section, said transverse sectionextending beyond the said shoulders and terminating in peripheralflanges.

8. A bridge for bracing and staying a plurality of spaced joistscomprising a preformed archshaped brace member having a substantially U-shaped transverse section and terminating at one end in a pair of spacedpiercing teeth and at the other end in a central cutting member, andmeans in the substantially U-shaped transverse section of said bracemember for predetermining the rigidity of the brace.

9. A bridge for bracing and staying a plurality of spaced members and asurface supported thereby comprising a substantially resilient preformedarch shaped brace member formed from thin sheet material having a curvedtransverse section terminating in side portions extending insubstantially arcuate contours on a longitudinal axis through the bracemember, said arcuate contours being formed on radii located on oppositesides of the longitudinal axis of said brace member and being contiguousend-to-end with alternate arcuate contours curved in one direction andthe intermediate arcuate contour curved in the opposite direction andpenetrating portions at opposite ends of said brace member forestablishing connection with the spaced members to be braced.

10. A bridge for bracing and staying a plurality of joists with respectto a surface supported thereby comprising a longitudinally extendingsubstantially resilient preformed arch-shaped brace member formed fromthin sheet material having a curved transverse section terminating inside portions extending in substantially arcuate contours in successivealternate end-to-end contiguous positions on a longitudinal axis throughthe brace member, said arcuate contours being formed on radii located onopposite sides of the brace member whereby said arcuate contour followcurves that are successively concave and convex with respect to eachother along the longitudinal axis of the brace member with penetratingportions at opposite ends thereof for engagement with joists to bebraced, said brace member having the alternate contours arcuate thereofsubstantially enveloping the longitudinal axis through said brace memberwhile the intermediate arcuate contour extends beyond the saidlongitudinal axis through the brace member.

11. A bridge for bracing and staying a plurality of joists comprising aresilient member having a substantially arcuate transverse sectionintermediate the ends thereof and extending in a longitudinally disposedpreformed arch terminating at one end in a pair of spaced transverselyarranged piercing teeth and terminating at the opposite end in acentrally arranged cutting toe disposed in a transverse plane, saidspaced teeth operating as shiftable centers embedded alternately in theside of a joist about which the cutting toe is shiftable in the plane ofsaid cutting toe in a radii with either of said spaced piercing pointsas a center, from either of tWo directions with said. cutting toeentering the coacting surface of an adjacent joist with a shearingaction from either of two directions.

GEORGE E. EICHENLAUB.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re. 16,183 Burrell Oct. 6, 1925545,538 Sellers Sept. 3, 1895 1,212,172 Beckner et al Jan. 16, 19171,428,881 Dyar Sept. 12, 1922 1,609,784 Springob Dec. 7, 1926 1,649,226Gstalder Nov. 15, 1927 1,655,234 Miller et a1 Jan. 3, 1928 1,663,487Smith et al Mar. 20, 1928 1,934,708 Hatch Nov. 14, 1933

